Winter TV 2021: Finally, new shows!

When COVID-19 shut down pretty much everything, TV was no exception.

However, now that we’re in 2021, a new crop of shows have premiered, with more to come in February.

We’ll see how February’s new shows turn out, but currently you’ll see a lot of people you’ve seen on other broadcast TV shows the last few years.

Here’s the latest roundup (I’m not including game shows, which there seem to be a plethora of this year. I’m guessing that’s because they’re easy to film in a safe way, or because they’re a mindlessly entertaining escape):

Call me kat

9 p.m. Thursdays on Fox

This cute, playful show allows its star, Mayim Bialik, to portray a new character, who’s still a little social inept but much more loving.

There’s not a ton of substance to this comedy about a girl who opens a cat cafe after her dad dies, but it’s light.

My biggest complaint is it breaks the fourth wall a lot, and it’s very unnecessary.

Watch it (with caution)

Mr. Mayor

8 p.m. Thursdays on NBC

For all the shows that added COVID-19 into their plots, “Mr. Mayor” did it best, in my opinion. They briefly mention it in the pilot and then move past it as if it’s over (yes, I know, wishful thinking).

Still, I’d rather watch this than another awkward moment of mask-wearing on TV.

In this comedy, Ted Danson plays the newly elected L.A. mayor. It’s a bit like his “The Good Place” character has continued to live on Earth for a few years and has learned quite a bit.

It’s set up pretty well in the pilot to go a few different directions, so we’ll see how the season pans out. It is from the creators of “30 Rock,” so it can’t be too terrible.

Try it (with caution)

The great north

8:30 p.m. Sundays on Fox

There are a lot of stars in the cast of this animated comedy.

It stars Nick Offerman, who basically plays himself, or at least how he’s portrayed in real life. His family is navigating life in Alaska without his ex-wife/dead wife (watch the pilot).

It’s not as funny or stupid as other Fox animated shows, but I appreciate the voice cast.

Try it (with caution)

The Trickster

9 p.m. Wednesdays on the CW

It seems the CW is only interested in superhero shows, imported shows and reboots.

This is a Canadian import, and it’s basically “Breaking Bad” minus the cancer and with a teen instead of a teacher.

The show was advertised as a supernatural thriller, but there wasn’t much supernatural in the pilot. There were many characters tripping out, though.

Skip it

Call Your Mother

9:30 p.m. Wednesdays on ABC

This comedy was clearly written by older writers who think they know how 20-year-olds act. (They don’t…or people in their 20s are way more obnoxious than I realize.)

It’s such a boring, pedantic show that could’ve been a cheesy movie you watch on a Saturday afternoon.

Skip it

Walker

8 p.m. Thursdays on the CW

This reboot made the right decision in its leading man, Jared Padalecki. His a perfect choice to play a Texas ranger.

The drama is more family-oriented from the original from what I can tell. The pilot does a good job setting up the characters and conflicts.

Try it

New TV 2020: A mixed bag.

Fall TV has never been so slow, especially on broadcast networks.

A few more shows have premiered this season, and it’s a mixed bag.

b positive

8:30 p.m. Thursdays on CBS

In a year of wanting medical success stories, this show feels a little pedantic.

Two high school classmates reunite at a wedding, and she agrees to give him her kidney.

Unfortunately, even though these two are played by promising actors (Thomas Middleditch and Annaleigh Ashford), they are given nothing more than bad-single-dad and dumb-drugged-out-blonde stereotypes to work with.

big sky

10 p.m. Tuesdays on ABC

There’s a lot to unpack here — murder, sex trafficking, kidnapping, affairs, abnormal relationships, private investigation, highway patrol gone rogue — but this drama knows it, and it’s ready to take you on a ride.

The pilot had multiple shocking moments, and it looks like it’ll have lots of twists and turns to keep viewers guessing.

And the best part? Beautiful Montana views. (OK, it’s not really Montana, but it does look nice.)

My biggest critique is they mention the pandemic, but it seems like an afterthought. And no one is wearing a mask.

nurses

10 p.m. Mondays on NBC

NBC has plenty of medical dramas, but this one is tending to be a bit soapy.

It’s hard to say if the pilot’s story will continue most of the season (I hope not), or if it will become more of a “Scrubs” meets “New Amsterdam” type of situation, which I’m not sure is much better.

Binge watching in COVID-19

I’m almost bored with watching TV. Almost.

I enjoy the comfort of retreating to a world I know through TV. Especially when the real world is riddled with confusion and stress.

But maybe I’ve binged too much. You know you’ve watched the same show too many times when…

  1. You recognize when a character wears the same clothes.
  2. You know which plots don’t make sense because they don’t match up with previous episodes.
  3. You quote the show regularly.
  4. You relate real-life situations to show plots, even mentioning them to people as if they happened to your friends.
  5. Your Instagram Explore tab is related to the show you’re binging, even showing you pictures from episodes you just watched or are about to watch.
  6. You pass any BuzzFeed quiz about the show with ease.
  7. You’ve thought about having a show-themed party because you know exactly what to serve and how to decorate.
  8. You know the season and episode number without having to look it up.
  9. You can match characters’ hairstyles to a corresponding season.
  10. You look up episodes on IMDb to catch goofs…and sometimes catch ones they didn’t.

I’m fine with my binge watching. My friends are doing the same…we Snapchat and know the season they’re on. So at least I’m not alone.

Fall TV 2020: Very little new to watch in COVID-19 world

Usually around this time, 10 new shows have come out on broadcast networks.

But per usual this year, everything has changed. We have less new TV since most shows are delayed or cancelled.

Fear not, some new shows have premiered this fall. Not that they’re great, but still, it’s something different, right?

Filthy Rich

9 p.m. Mondays on Fox

I’m not sure whose idea it was to have Kim Cattrall play a Southern Christian belle type, but it wasn’t a good one.

For one, her accent is terrible, and two, Cattrall played the most provocative of the “Sex and the City” girls, so having her act as a strong Christian woman, even after news of her philandering husband comes out, is pretty unbelievable.

This show is more of the perfect summer soap, so it should’ve come out in July. It would’ve fit right in with those silly soapy summer shows that only last a season or two.

Next

9 p.m. Tuesdays on Fox

While we’re all mostly chilling at home with our smart TVs and devices, let’s have a show air about AI cybercrime…that seems like a good idea.

John Slattery deserves better; he’s by far the best actor on the drama, especially considering he’s playing a tech genius who’s also psychotic.

There are just probably better cybercrime shows out there than this one.

Connecting

8 p.m. Thursdays on NBC

This comedy almost hits too close to home. It’s a Zoom call on TV among friends trying to make sense of the pandemic.

Fortunately the first episode took place in March 2020, so while it’s a little sad to think about how long ago that feels, it provides a comedic touch to a time that has been tough on everyone.

I just don’t really want to watch a Zoom call when I’m in video meetings most of my week.

Devils

8 p.m. Wednesdays on the CW

Somehow this Patrick Dempsey show missed my radar, but this Italian import drama doesn’t cut it.

If you want to fuel the fire about banking as an “organized crime” business, this is your show; just pay attention. Everyone has a secret, so they all talk low and fast.

The worst part is whoever edited the show probably thought the jump cuts were edgy, but really it just looks like they can’t edit between scenes properly.

Emmys 2020: How accurate were the predictions?

I could talk a lot about how the virtual Emmys broadcast worked or didn’t work, but plenty of articles and podcasts have covered that.

My quick take: Overall it wasn’t terrible, but some of the COVID gags were overly drawn out.

Instead, I wanted to see how entertainment platforms predicted the winners. Were they right, wrong, widely inaccurate?

Inevitably there are always a few surprises every year, but let’s see if the entertainment junkies have the knowledge to accurately predict the winners in 2020, one of the most unpredictable in recent times.

For reference, I compared predictions from Entertainment Weekly, Gold Derby, Vanity Fair and Deadline, and not every site predicted all of the categories I’ve listed here.

Best Drama, “Succession”: 4/4

Everyone assumed the HBO drama would win.

Best Comedy, “Schitt’s Creek”: 2/4

The PopTV comedy swept the comedy categories for the first time ever, in only its second year of nominations.

Best Limited Series, “Watchmen”: 4/4

No one could stop the HBO miniseries, which had the most nominations going into the award show. They won 11 Emmys last night.

Best TV movie, “Bad Education”: 1/2

I guess it worked out that this film was acquired by HBO and released during quarantine.

Lead Actress in a Drama, Zendaya, “Euphoria”: 0/4

No one thought former Disney star Zendaya would win. She’s the youngest actress to win in the lead drama actress category.

Lead Actor in a Drama, Jeremy Strong, “Succession”: 1/4

Most predicted Strong’s co-star, Brian Cox, would win.

Supporting Actor in a Drama, Billy Crudup, “The Morning Show”: 1/3

Vanity Fair correctly predicted the “Succession” actors would split the vote, since three of them were nominated in this category.

Supporting Actress in a Drama, Julia Garner, “Ozark”: 0/3

Entertainment Weekly didn’t pick, but the others all had Helena Bonham Carter set to win for her role in “The Crown.” Garner won last year as well.

Lead Actress in a Comedy, Catherine O’Hara, “Schitt’s Creek”: 4/4

Big-name star in a funny show in its last season? Easy choice.

Lead Actor in a Comedy, Eugene Levy, “Schitt’s Creek”: 2/4

The banter between Levy and his son Dan was adorable.

Supporting Actor in a Comedy, Daniel Levy, “Schitt’s Creek”: 2/3

Dan also won for writing and directing.

Supporting Actress in a Comedy, Annie Murphy, “Schitt’s Creek”: 0/3

Murphy was the last “Schitt’s Creek” winner before best comedy was announced, and she was shocked.

Lead Actor, Limited Series/TV Movie, Mark Ruffalo, “I Know This Much Is True”: 3/4

He played two roles!

Lead Actress, Limited Series/TV Movie, Regina King, “Watchmen”: 3/4

King now has won four Emmys for four different characters. She also ties the record for most acting Emmys won by a Black performer.

Supporting Actor, Limited Series/TV Movie, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, “Watchmen”: 0/3

Deadline did say Abdul-Mateen II should win, but they thought Jim Parsons would win for his role in “Hollywood.”

Supporting Actress, Limited Series/TV Movie, Uzo Aduba, “Mrs. America”: 0/3

Abuba’s win was a shock considering two of her co-stars were also nominated in the same category.

So who was the best predictor? In these awards, Vanity Fair got the most right, getting 10 out of 16 correct.

But still, that’s barely over 50%. So what do these people know anyway?

Emmys 2020 nominations by the numbers

The biggest record the 2020 Emmys will pull off is having an awards show during a pandemic.

AKA without a red carpet. Most likely, anyway.

While it’ll be interesting to see how the Emmys pulls off a virtual awards show, you could probably make a game out of how many times masks and socially distancing are mentioned.

Take your bets now as I review some nomination numbers.

Streaming is king, as we know. Netflix has the most nominations, beating out usual-leader HBO. Each online platform saw increases in the number of nominations except for YouTube and Prime Video. And, two-thirds of Prime’s nominations are for “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.”

Even Quibi, the new short-form streaming platform, received Emmy nominations. And seriously, who’s watching that platform?

With non-cable networks (what I call the Farmer Five), three out of five have less nominations than 2019. Only PBS and ABC have more nominations in 2020 than in 2019.

Thirteen programs have more than 10 nominations, and seven of those 13 programs are on streaming networks.

Out of all the categories, 27 include multiple nominations from the same show. Three categories include three nominations from one show. Talk about stuffing the categories.

There are 47 first-time nominees. Out of those, seven have been nominated for an Oscar, and five have won at least once.

Since there are a fair number of newer shows in the mix this year, no actor or actress is going to break a record for most wins. But Sandra Oh (“Killing Eve”) and Steve Carell (“The Morning Show”) both have 11 nominations to date and zero wins. Both were on hit shows (“Grey’s Anatomy,” “The Office”) but have made their name in other ways, including these shows. Can either win this year?

We’ll find out Sept. 20 when the 72nd Emmys air on ABC.

Comfort TV in the age of quarantine and COVID-19

I’m on my second watch of “Gilmore Girls” this year. 

Now of course I love the show. But do I need to watch it again? Probably not. 

I’m not watching it because there’s a lack of TV. In fact, like most people, it feels impossible to keep up with the new shows and seasons these days. Especially with all the new streaming networks. 

Quibi may have inadvertently picked the worst time to come out given the current state of the world and its original intentions, but now we also have Peacock. 

I have four streaming services at the moment, but I hate to get another one considering I usually rotate between one or two for a month and then switch around. Though Peacock has a free version, which I appreciate.

I could watch new shows. I have the time. But given the political, racial and medical tension these days, I need a break. 

This year has been a huge return to comfort TV for me. I don’t want the stress of a new show. I want the familiarity of shows I’ve seen multiple times to escape the current state of the world. 

So if you’re in need of some comfort TV, here are my picks:

That 70s Show

For the fashion alone, this show is great. It takes you back to a time when loud prints, big hair and bell bottoms were way cool.

Plus, for a daily life show, they spend a lot of time chilling in the basement. Just like the rest of us right now it seems.

Frasier

When you’re biggest problem is running out of sherry or forgetting to hit the cough button, you’re doing OK.

This lovable comedy reminds us of a simpler time, and a time when dating was (somewhat) easier. Hey, at least it was in person.

Gilmore Girls

Talk fast. Feel better.

This show is my favorite. I love the relationship between Lorelai and Rory, and I always catch new references every time I watch.

Because I’ve seen this show so many times, it creates a sense of calm. I’m sure everyone has this type of show.

Boy Meets World

Binge-watching this show made me realize all the inconsistencies of it. Every character skips a grade or two, and Cory and Topanga break up and get back together way more times than I remember.

But again, simpler times. And we could all use a lesson in kindness from the incomparable Mr. Feeny.

I would also add “Friends” to the list, but alas, it’s on HBO Max now. Another streaming network!

Winter TV 2020: Only one show worth watching

With broadcast TV seemingly waning, fewer and fewer new shows premiere.
Winter shows tend to be shows that weren’t good enough for the fall. With one exception, this rings true.

‘Zoey’s extraordinary playlist’

9 p.m. Sundays on NBC 

As creative as this show seems to be, it’s basically “Glee” with “That’s So Raven” mixed in.

After a surge happens during her MRI, Zoey can hear and see song and dance around her, including people’s inner thoughts.

The show is full of stars (Lauren Graham, Peter Gallagher, Mary Steenburgen), but they don’t always sing. They’re smart enough to let Skylar Astin and Alex Newell (who was on “Glee”) sing in the pilot.

It’s a bit of a ridiculous concept, but the song and dance numbers are entertaining.

Watch it

‘Katy Keene’

8 p.m. Thursdays on the CW 

Greg Berlanti can’t stop, won’t stop when it comes to producing shows for the CW. This “Riverdale” spinoff (Josie is on this show, moving in with Katy, a friend of Veronica’s, a few years after the timeline of when “Riverdale” is now) just shows a less gritty side. Think less “Arrow,” more “Love, Simon.”

Lucy Hale carries the teen soap well, but without a hair or rhinestone out of place, this NYC too pristine.

Try it

‘Indebted’

9:30 p.m. Thursdays on NBC

With a cast of B-list TV actors (Abby Elliott, Adam Pally, Steven Weber) and Fran Drescher, this show my blood boil.

It’s basically a suburban version of “Schitt’s Creek,” so I don’t know if Dan Levy is out of ideas or if NBC just really wanted The Nanny back on TV.

In either case, even though the pilot references Facebook campaigns and Drake, it feels dated and stale, especially with the Jewish and Indian stereotypes.

Skip it

‘For Life’

10 p.m. Tuesdays on ABC 

What’s your method to a better life? Hard work and good will is how Aaron Wallace looks at it.

Wallace has a life sentence for a crime he didn’t commit, so he becomes a lawyer to help others overturn their wrongful sentences.

The courtroom drama is more than that; there’s family strain with Wallace’s family back home and possible back-door deals for political agendas.

Based (loosely, of course) on the real-life story of Isaac Wright, Jr.,  there is an obvious end to the story, but watching someone fight for justice for others is appealing.

Try it

‘Outmatched’

8:30 p.m. Thursdays on FOX 

If Eric and Donna from “That 70s Show” had kids …would they still have a basement?

Because that’s how this show feels.

Jason Biggs and Maggie Lawson star as average parents who have four children, three of which are geniuses. And they retreat to the basement to chat and, in one instance, smoke.

Overall, the comedy is boring. The kids are over acting, and Biggs and Lawson recite lines like they’re just there to collect a paycheck.

Skip it

‘Tommy’

10 p.m. Thursdays on CBS 

Racism, sexism, immigration, gangs, divorce, LGBT representation … how many issues can we stuff in one show?

Edie Falco carries it well, but it’s hard to keep straight what the point is of this cop drama.

Maybe the pilot just tried too hard, and it’ll focus its issues more in episodes to come. If that’s the case, it could have potential to be thought-provoking.

Skip it

‘Duncanville’

8:30 p.m. Sundays on FOX

This comedy was way more enjoyable for me than other Sunday Fox animated series.

It may be the plethora of pop culture references or hearing Amy Poehler and Ty Burrell again, but it’s a cute, irreverant comedy about family and growing up.

I just expect the references to continue.

Try it

Which TV wedding should you emulate for this season?

It’s bridal Christmas, and wedding planning is in full swing. (I’m the maid of honor for an August wedding, so even I get it.)

TV showcases many weddings, including some disastrous moments. But if you need inspiration, you’ve got some options from the small screen.

The Surprise from ‘Modern Family’

Early on in the ABC comedy (aka when the show was progressive, not mundane), the families went to Hawaii.

They, of course, all get sick of each other, but it ends in a sweet moment between Phil and Claire Dunphy.

The couple, who balance each other out in every sense, didn’t have a true wedding but a rushed one. So Phil arranged for everyone to get together one evening for a proper ceremony, including father Jay walking Claire down the aisle. And the view for the event was picturesque, just like you hope a destination wedding would be.

The Processional from “Glee”

Leave it to a musical dramedy to make an entrance.

When Kurt’s dad and Finn’s mom married, the glee club had to help out.

Their sweet as sugar performance of “Marry You” can put a smile on anyone’s face. Plus who wouldn’t want that much energy during the wedding processional?

The Vows from ‘Friends’

I’m not talking about Monica and Chandler, but Phoebe and Mike.

We can agree season 10 isn’t “Friends” best, but Phoebe’s wedding was a highlight.

After trying to have a perfect, traditional wedding, the snow falls and they adjust to having their ceremony outside Central Perk. It’s fitting for the quirky couple.

But their vows about family and love fit not only the characters but a love that was stronger than their insecurities.

The first dance of “Gilmore Girls”

As much as I hate that Richard and Emily Gilmore’s wedding broke up Luke and Lorelai, their wedding was gorgeous. How could it not when everything in their house was so perfect (plus all the immaculately planned parties!).

But my favorite part of the episode (the show’s 100th) is their first dance. Specifically Richard’s speech about why he chose that song for their first dance as a couple (again). So sincere and personal, it was a true moment of love for the normally stoic grandfather.

Every first dance should be as full of meaning, laughter and love between a couple as theirs was.

The meaningful cake from “Brooklyn Nine-Nine”

I can’t fully recommend getting an over-the-top theme cake, but when it fits the couple, why not?

With Amy’s attempt to recreate Nakatomi Plaza from “Die Hard” as a wedding cake, you have to give credit for sacrificing a beautiful cake for a personal cake that would make her future husband smile.

Now…you can emulate the Red Wedding if you want…but I think no murders seems like an easy wedding day goal.

Can the Oscars have repeat success without a host?

The Oscars are fast approaching thanks to a shortened awards season, and the show will be without a host for the second year.

Can it work?

They say lightning never strikes the same place twice. And I have a sinking feeling that’s the case here.

Let’s look at a few factors.

Do hosts help?

The 2019 Oscars were a mad rush to the finish line. After Kevin Hart was announced and unannounced as host, no one jumped at the opportunity to host the biggest awards show of each year.

Fortunately, it worked. Ratings rebounded. But was part of that just to see a potential fail?

The last time the Oscars went host-less before 2019 was 1989. The year of the Snow White/Rob Lowe musical number. Memorable, but it the worst way possible.

The second most-watched awards show is the Grammys, which went without a host for a few years. In 2012, LL Cool J started a five-year hosting streak, which mostly consisted of opening and closing the show and introducing a few musicians here and there. Alicia Keys hosts this year’s show for the second year in a row.

It never seemed necessary to have a Grammys host since it’s more about the performances than the awards (many awards aren’t televised anyway), but the show had viewer increases from 2015-2017 and had increased viewership last year, all years with a host.

And let’s not forget that the 2019 Emmys tried to go host-less since the Oscars did…and it bombed.

What does a host do?

It’s not that a host is needed, per se, but these awards shows need to flow. The Oscars had some success in 2019 for being almost 30 minutes shorter than 2018, a welcome reprieve, especially on an already late Sunday night telecast.

 As long as you can keep a show running smoothly with some laughs or memorable moments, it works. It’s why Amy Poehler and Tina Fey are great hosts. Their dry humor and buddy banter delight audiences without alienating them.

And let’s be real, some hosts don’t work. Remember James Franco and Anne Hathaway? Her costume changes were more exciting than their bits. The Emmys Colin Jost and Michael Che? Snooze.

What about presenters and winners?

Over the last couple years, there seems to be more emphasis on who, besides the host, is part of the awards shows.

Presenters can make or break a moment. A bad bit can sour a show and make viewers turn off the program.

Maya Rudolph, for example, has had great moments.

And not so great moments.

Without a host, you have to hope the presenters entertain the audience. But their time is so quick that it has to be gold or be dust.

And then we have the nominees, which means a chance for colorful, political, motivational, sappy award speeches.

Deliver a good acceptance speech and you’re golden. Regina King? Flawless. Michelle Williams? Giving a voice where she thought appropriate.

There’s a fine line in these political times, but getting that sound bite is priceless. And what the Oscars hope to achieve.

 

With a higher than usual unpredictability in the Best Picture race balancing out what seem to locks for the acting categories, a chance for surprise seems minimal. And without the suspense of how will a host-less Oscars work, it seems unlikely people will care as much as last year.